Civitas Award
The Civitas Award is awarded annually to recognize a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University’s Orillia Campus.
Robert and Qennefer (posthumous) Browne
Bob and Qennefer Browne met in 1956 when they were both studying architecture at the University of Manitoba, and in 1962, they moved to Bob's hometown of Thunder Bay. Bob joined the architectural practice of Mickelson and Fraser Associates, where he later became a partner. At that time, his office was deeply involved in the design and construction of the first three buildings of the new Lakehead University campus – the Braun Building, the library, and the University Centre - as well as nearby Avila Centre. Throughout their years in Thunder Bay, Bob and Qennefer were involved in all aspects of Thunder Bay civic and intellectual life.
In the late 1980s, Qennefer began to spend more time in Orillia. Upon his retirement in 2001, Bob joined her there. Again, both leapt into civic activism. Thus, it was natural that they were both asked to serve on the Mayor's Task Force to bring a university campus to Orillia, especially once Lakehead became the focus of the task force's attention.
Bob was so inspired by the academic programme proposed for the new campus, that he enrolled as a student himself in the charter class of Fall 2006. Inspired by Bob's enthusiasm for new learning and student life, Qennefer enrolled in classes the next fall. Even though they were old enough to be the grandparents of many of their classmates, they also helped found and participated in many student clubs. Bob continued his community advisor role when he was asked to serve on the committee that interviewed candidates for the first Principal of the Orillia campus. With their profs, they also formed strong friendships that continue to this day.
Bob ended his time as a student at Lakehead Orillia after four years, and Qennefer by 2013, but they continued to be interested in activities on campus and to be involved in social justice both on campus and in the community. Even now, Bob looks back on his university days as the happiest times of his life.
The presentation of the Civitas Award will be made on June 2, 2022.